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look out
album review
by donald dusinberre
imartsyfartsy@gmail.com


Artist:
Hackensaw Boys

Title:
 Look Out

Release Date:
06.19.07

Label:
Nettwerk Records


      With the opening sounds of a banjo and harmonized violins, I had a vision of being stuck in a place far from my comfort zone. It was pure bluegrass- aggressive, oddly cheerful, and creepy to the ears of a guy who listens to Modest Mouse and Death from Above 1979. But those sounds immediately morphed into something decidedly more familiar. Even though the song remained as bluegrass as…well…bluegrass, I recognized the modern pop melodies and detected a hint of confident inauthenticity.

      One of the founding members, Tom Peloso, is currently in Modest Mouse, so there is a timbre of new rock in their old-style string band. When you hear the Hackensaw Boys, you immediately recognize the old style they’re playing, but it sounds fresh and young.

      The Hackensaw Boys’ music is more aptly described as Americana than bluegrass. Some of the songs on Look Out do not prominently feature banjo or mandolin, but all of them are catchy and provide charming storytelling-style lyrics. They touch on many styles, and two of my favorite songs, ‘Oh, Girl’ and ‘Sally Ann’ are composed in a minor key. The Hackensaw Boys liberally apply their outstanding vocal harmonies to each song on the album, with the most fascinating example found on ‘Look Out Dog, Slow Down Train’, in which they replicate the sound of a train whistle. Completely entertaining and joyous to listen to, you’ll find yourself singing along as soon as you catch the tune.

      I used to think bluegrass and Americana music was made by and for older folks, but as the Squirrel Nut Zippers has modernized swing for a younger audience, so have the Hackensaw Boys done for bluegrass.

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